ASTR 1 Cosmic Evolution
Melinda L. Weil
Embedded Files
Class Structure and Important Dates
Class Structure and Important Dates
ASTR 1 Cosmic Evolution is given as either a remote or an online fully asynchronous class, both meaning we have no face-to-face meetings on campus or in Canvas. Students complete each weekly module on their own time.
You will 'meet' me when you view Orientation in the first week, and through teaching videos and announcements throughout the semester. You may also attend Zoom office hours if you wish.
Important semester dates including deadlines to add, drop, and withdraw are listed in CCSF Calendar.
Course Information
Course Information
Hello and Welcome Online Students!
Hello and Welcome Online Students!
Our ASTR 1 class focuses on unraveling the mysteries of space, from the planets and stars to galaxies and the whole Universe! Is there anywhere we can move if we mess up our planet Earth? Why do exploding stars mean you exist? What is a Black Hole really? How big and how old is our Universe, and are we safe in it?
ASTR 1 is a 3-unit online class that runs for 17.5 weeks. It fulfills your Physical Science/Natural Science requirement. Our class is asynchronous, meaning we have no class meetings either in person or online. You go through each week’s lesson on your own time schedule. You will 'meet' me when you view Orientation in the first week, and through teaching videos and announcements throughout the semester.
Recommended Textbook
A textbook is not required but recommended. You know yourself better than I do, as to whether you are able to pass our class without a textbook to assist you. If you are not sure, try the first few weeks without one, then decide.
The suggested book is “Universe: Stars and Galaxies” by Freedman, Geller, & Kaufmann, 5th or 6th edition, published by Macmillan. (The 4th edition has the chapters set up differently but is still pretty good if you can't find the later editions.) The textbook may be bought used or rented; the 6th edition is available at https://store.macmillanlearning.com/us/product/Universe-Stars-and-Galaxies/p/1319115098
"Universe: Stars and Galaxies" is the text I used to develop the class so the order of the chapters and topics, and the figures are based on it. But most relatively recent, cheap used textbooks on introductory astronomy could help you in the class. You may also opt for the Open Stax free astronomy textbook. The chapters, order of topics, and figures in a different book will be different than "Universe: Stars and Galaxies" so it will be harder to use. I personally would choose an older, used edition of "Universe: Stars and Galaxies" if I wanted to make learning in the class easy and save a little money. Also, the full text called "Universe" by the same authors may be available - the 9th, 10th, and 11th editions of that one work.
Starting ASTR 1
We start with a gentle Week 1 Module where I explain your Canvas Learning Management System, orient you to the course structure and the syllabus, and introduce you to astronomy. Even if you have taken an online course in Canvas previously, this is a new one so at least skim through the orientation material. I’ve worked to make our weekly modules easily comprehensible, and I hope you’ll find them simple to navigate!
Online classes require at least the same amount of time as face-to-face classes. You will find a Time Management Suggestions document in Week 1 to assist you. Whether this is your first online class or you have passed online classes before, remember that one important action you take for success is budgeting enough time! I will clearly indicate deadlines for completing assignments. Due dates in our class are on Thursdays and Sundays at 10pm. I have office hours appointment bookings available each week if you need assistance in addition to emailing me. You own space, and I am here to help you understand it!
Your login and password are your RAM ID. Please enter our class as soon as you can when the semester opens. Once classes begin, to easily access your ASTR 1 class: Go to the CCSF Website and click on “CANVAS” at the top of the page. Enter our ASTR 1 class and click on “Home” in the left-hand course menu. “Home” is the place to go every time you enter our class!
Report abuse